Dear Sir,

A few weeks ago I wrote to you from Whitehaven & related a story about elephants getting drunk.¹

Yesterday I happened to fall in with the book in wh: I read the story originally— I have copied out the passage, & enclose it— The title of the book is

“The Large Game, and Natural History of South & South East Africa from the Journals of the Hon: W. H. Drummond.

Edinbro’ Edmonston & Douglas 1875—”²

In the Preface the writer says his experiences extended over 5 years ending in 1872 “during which time to all intents & purposes I lived amongst the natives & the game”³

“About Natural History as a Science I know little or nothing— I have been careful to exclude everything but what has come within my personal knowledge—”⁴

If this be true, M^r. Drummond has himself seen the elephants in a state of intoxication, but the wording of the passage itself is a little hazy—

I suppose the fruit of the “umganu tree” contains alcohol when ripe or when decaying?⁵

I must apologize for troubling you with this story but it may be interesting to you, if it is to be relied on; & if not to be relied on, it is well that the mistake or inaccuracy should be made clear—

Yours faithfully | W M Moorsom

Chas: Darwin Esq^r. F.R.S.